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Just 60 days prior when the young forward found himself on the Sunderland turf, appearing bewildered as his coach admonished him over not reading a pass in behind. At that point, as Villa failed to win in six, doubts remained if Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of Villa's wider issues.

“Following Rogers' second strike… Emery discarded his jacket, extended his arms, and let out a triumphant roar.”

This weekend, in contrast, the manager's outburst was far more favourable. When the in-form star swept in his second to reclaim Villa's lead, the boss ripped off his jacket, spread his arms and bellowed. The Birmingham club marched on to a tenth straight victory and having failed to win their initial half-dozen matches, are somehow only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.

Is Aston Villa Serious Challengers?

That’s a rather hard query to address. History, the perceived status of the club, indicates otherwise. Moreover, they've rarely been completely commanding in many games, even as the positive results have stacked up.

According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the side posted an xG notably superior than the opposition. For a team who have strung together a ten-match winning streak, the Villans seem strangely fragile – but currently the fine lines are swinging for them.

The Rogers Recipe

The prevailing tactic looks like to engage in a shootout with the opposition and then rely on Rogers to save the day with some precise efforts. It happened at Leeds, it occurred at West Ham, and again against the Red Devils.

Rogers' first goal originated from an exquisite effort, curled just inside the goal frame from a wide position. For his second proved to be a slight scruffier version of the opener as he pounced on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.

“Rogers’ right foot is now akin to Robben’s legendary left: forewarned does not mean forearmed, and stopping him is another matter entirely.”

Can It Last?

Logic says not. Against United, the opponents managed more efforts and more shots on target. They have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They’ve conceded in all but one of those fixtures.

A reversion to average might be the most significant challenge the club will encounter as the season progresses. Rogers, in all likelihood, cannot maintain thrashing the ball past despairing goalkeepers indefinitely.

Reasons for Optimism

Maybe there exists an alternative path where, rather than results trending towards performances, the level of play rises to match the results. Vital cogs may yet rediscover their best form.

• The main striker might resume scoring again.
• The winger might become the performer he showed in Germany.
• The injured centre-backs are due to return from injury, strengthening a sometimes shaky defensive unit.

Maybe within that lies the possibility for a sustained push, yet it seems unlikely cannot keep relying on a single individual.

Relishing the Unlikely

But then, nobody expected this. Few believed Villa would be third at Christmas. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a title charge and appearing as a vital England player.

The current run must be cherished precisely because it seems so surreal. When the match-winner stood in front of the Villa faithful after the match leading the celebrations, it was clear to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are rare in football and must be appreciated.